TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY AMONG RURAL WATERLEAF FARMERS IN UYO AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
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Background of the Study
The majority of people have the misconception that farming is an activity that takes place nearly entirely on rural land (Kaufman and Bailkey, 2002 and Etim et al., 2005). Despite the fact that agriculture is predominately based in rural areas, it is common knowledge that certain farming operations take place within and near the majority of cities around the world. City farming or urban farming is the activity of producing crops with a short life cycle and rearing animals within and around cities (Etim et al., 2006). Agriculture is becoming an increasingly important component of the landscapes of cities all around the world (Bourque, 2000). One of the powerful and constructive activities that urban residents are engaging in as part of their fight to regain control of food security, social issues, and environmental degradation in their communities is the practice of city farming (Mougeot, 1994; UNDP, 1996). According to Etim and Ofem (2005) and Etim et al., (2006), urban farming is an acceptable and sustainable method for the management of urban land, as well as a food supply and security practice that is also environmentally benign. The production of vegetables in home gardens, in which the farming of water-leaf crops plays a key role, constitutes the primary focus of agricultural endeavors carried out inside and around the city (Udoh, 1999; 2005 and Etim et al., 2006). (Wild) is an upright, fleshy, annual herb that has a swollen taproot and may be generated from seed or by vegetative multiplication from stem cuttings. The scientific name for this plant is Talinum triangulare (Jacq.). Water-leaf (Talinum triangulare) (Jacq) (Akobundu and Agyakwa, 1998). After planting, the water-leaf crop may be harvested 35–45 days later with the right kind of cultural management (Rice et al., 1986). West African farmers tend to grow it for consumption as a vegetable in a variety of dishes. According to Udoh and Etim (2006a), water-leaf is widely cultivated in Southern Nigeria, particularly in the states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom. It is used in combination with other vegetables such as African jointfir (Gnetum africanum) (Welw); Bush apple (Heinsia crinata (Afzel) G. Taylor and Fluted Pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis). Udoh and Etim also reported that water-leaf (Hook F.). In addition, the production of waterleaf can provide farming households with supplemental income (Udoh, 2005). However, empirical studies by Udoh and Akintola (2001b), Etim et al. (2005), Etim and Udoh (2006), Udoh and Etim (2006b), and Udoh and Etim (2007) suggest that farming needs to use available inputs as efficiently as possible to optimize production, and that farmers, as primary managers of land, need to manage problems arising from the deterioration of natural resources. In addition, empirical studies by Udoh and A (Rosegrant et al., 2005). As a result, the purpose of this study is to investigate the level of technical proficiency held by rural waterleaf farmers in the Uyo agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
The non-traditional food crop known as waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) is a member of the portulacea family and was first discovered in tropical Africa. Today, it is cultivated in large quantities in West Africa, Asia, and South America (Schippers, 2000). As a kind of vegetable, waterleaf possesses a number of natural qualities that endear it to both small-holder farmers and the people who buy their produce. To begin, it is a crop with a rather short growing season, with the harvest window falling between 35 and 45 days following sowing (Rice et. al, 1986). Second, in the region under investigation, it is utilized as a "softener" in the preparation of fibrous vegetables such as luted pumpkin, afang (Gnetum africanum), and atama (Heinsia crinata) (Telferia occidentalis). According to Ibeawuchi et al. (2007), the leaves and young shoots are used to thicken sauce, and the sauce itself is consumed in huge numbers in the Southern region of Nigeria. In terms of its nutritional value, it has been demonstrated that waterleaf has a large quantity of crude protein (22.1%), ash (33.98%), and crude iber (11.12%). Additionally, it possesses certain therapeutic benefits for humans and may be used as green fodder in rabbit feed management (Ekpenyong, 1986; Aduku and Olukosi, 1990). In addition, the production of waterleaf offers a supplementary source of farming to agricultural households who are on a smaller scale (Udoh, 2005). In Nigeria, particularly in the state of Akwa Ibom, where there has been an increase in population, disruption to the natural ecosystem, and flooding, as well as a high demand for vegetables (Talinum triangulare), many farmers are confronted with the difficulties of having a successful harvest of waterleaf. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the level of technological efficiency that exists among rural waterleaf farmers in the Uyo agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.
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